Frustration at delays in dealing with anti-social behaviour in estates

THE length of time it is taking to deal with anti-social behaviour in housing estates is a cause of concern.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne highlighted one case that is ongoing for seven months and he asked for an update at a council housing strategic policy committee (SPC) meeting on what it being done to resolve it.

Head of housing Simon Shevlin said it was a matter for the municipal district and they are dealing with it at the moment. Legal advice has been sought.

The SPC dealt with policy and has no powers with regards anti-social behaviour, he clarified. They signed off on anti-social behaviour policy and it was for the municipal districts to implement it.

Director of services Tom Gilligan said it was incorrect to say nothing is happening. There has been consultation with solicitors and they are reviewing it. Details had been got from the gardaí as well.

He was talking to the people impacted. It was, said Mr. Gilligan, taking longer than they would have liked but they are dealing with it. There is a process that has to be followed.

Seven months, said Councillor Kilcoyne, is 'too long'. Several families have been terrorised.

Councillor Neil Cruise said people don't want strategies. They want action where people are acting the maggot.

Councillor Christy Hyland said it was a 'vicious circle'. With anti-social behaviour orders, three strikes and you were out, but then those people presented for housing as they now had no home. If brought to court they walked out laughing. There was, he said, no deterrent.

The council's anti-social behaviour strategy is currently under review.

The updated policy includes tweaks to time-frames for when investigations are initiated and also referrals or refusals where there have been criminal convictions, such as drugs or public order offences.

Committee members made submissions as part of the review but Councillor Kilcoyne said most of his submissions had not be taken on board.

No one had contacted him to say why they were not acceptable.

He was told they were sent for legal advice but no one had sent him on that advice.

The strategy, he said, was a matter for the elected members.

Committee member Leanne Barrett was disappointed there wasn't more of a focus on the preventative and community development approach in the policy. Proper consideration needed to be given to preventative responses.

It was agreed to share the legal advice with members for the next meeting.